The UFC is moving toward a major shake-up of its official rankings, with a new system in development that will be based on measurable in-cage performance.
During the UFC Fight Night 278 broadcast, Brendan Fitzgerald announced that a revamped rankings model is on the way and will move away from opinion-driven voting. The current format, long discussed as a target for change, has remained in place despite years of teases about an overhaul from UFC leadership.
"For years, the top 15 in each division has shaped title shots, contender status and how fans debate the sport," Fitzgerald said on the broadcast before outlining the new direction. "A new UFC ranking system is currently being developed that will be based on measurable performance, not opinion, not popularity. By evaluating who you beat, strength of competition, activity and consistency. The system is being designed to reward performance and better reflect results inside the octagon."
Past discussions around changing the rankings have included ideas involving AI and a system designed by Mark Zuckerberg and Meta. While the promotion has now confirmed that a new merit-based system is in the works, the only public indication of timing is a broadcast graphic promising it is "coming soon."
